Nauseous after eating? Here’s why

You’ve just finished a delicious meal and while it’s hit the spot, you’re starting to feel sick. Urgh. Why are you feeling nauseous?

Your digestive system is a collection of organs that work together to break down what you eat or drink. When you eat, the food is digested and the nutrients are turned into energy. The process begins in your mouth when you chew and the food is broken down to be swallowed. Food travels down your food pipe and then to the stomach and intestines.

Any problems during these processes may cause nausea after eating.

Food poisoning

If you eat food that’s past its expiry date or hasn’t been properly stored or refrigerated, it can attract bacteria and parasites that can make you sick. Besides nausea, food poisoning may also cause vomiting and diarrhoea, usually within a few hours after eating.

Acid reflux

GERD, commonly known as acid reflux, happens when the muscular valve between your oesophagus and stomach breaks down. This causes stomach acid to leak into your oesophagus. The main symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, but it may also bring on nausea.

Stomach virus

Commonly known as the stomach flu, a stomach virus infects your intestines and gives you nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. You can catch the stomach flu by being around someone who has it, or eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Anxiety and stress

Not only does stress mess with your emotions, it can harm your physical health. Negative emotions like stress or anxiety can make you lose your appetite or feel sick after eating. The symptoms should stop once you calm down.